Having discussed the last details, everyone was ready to leave. It was almost six o'clock, and Lana almost forgot about the party. Risa, hearing about the possible fun, asked to join in hope to somehow lighten the mood. Brian silently stood beside her, showing that he'll follow her anyway. As well as Greg. It was enough for Lana to just look at his face to understand that it was impossible to shake him of this time.
In the lobby on the way to the stairs, they met Frank and Tony. Apparently, Frank, all this time was making an enormous effort to prevent their curious friend from spying on their company. And his face clearly showed how hard it was on him.
Therefore, when Tony stated that he was going with them and he won't take a no for an answer, there was no choice left.
So this way their odd group arrived into a modest pizzeria in the next street.
All the cafeteria workers have already prepared. They even took a huge banner from somewhere with the "Welcome, Ruslana!" on it. And when did they have time for all this?
As soon as Lana entered the doorway, whistles and shouts of joy sounded from all sides. Someone even shot crackers with confetti, giving the event an utterly festive mood.
But joyful cries immediately muffled, as soon as people in the restaurant recognized those who arrived with Lana. The view was really ... extraordinary. All four guys, especially all together, were the very embodiment of the most wonderful female fantasy. If there was an eye-candy, then it was a whole assortment of a candy shop.
"Toby, go stand besides them," - Anita said, snickering. - "You must to somehow dilute this concentration of testosterone. Otherwise, I'm already dizzy." - The guy frowned hurt. And Jenny squealed at the moment
"Oh My Gosh! I'm in paradise! "- and swooned.
Toby immediately rushed to save her, but after receiving a kick from an instantly revived girl, he scowled even more.
Their company was still accepted. At first, of course, the cafe workers were a little reserved and humble in front of the big bosses. But Tony, as always, took all the entertainment on himself and blew all his charms and cheerfulness around, forcing everyone to relax and start having fun.
Even Lana quickly became involved in the atmosphere of fun, and after a couple of minutes, was happily chatting with the chefs, discussing new cooking methods and exotic recipes.
Greg all this time tried to keep a low profile to allow Lana to get closer with her colleagues. But it was so lovely to watch her radiant face that he simply could not take his eyes off. Suddenly his sights caught on a familiar figure. Miss Bright, too, stood a little apart for others and watched the scene with a barely perceptible smile.
Greg seized the moment and came close to her.
"Thank you, Catherine!" - He said, distracting the woman from observing her subordinates. Miss Bright immediately erased all the signs of a smile from her face and put on the usual stone mask of the boss.
"I do not quite understand why you thank me, Mr. Wells." - She said particularly formally.
" Catherine, you can stop pretending in front of me. I know perfectly well that Anita never liked conflicts and would hardly have become involved in any intrigues simply out of the goodness of her heart. I initially knew that Lana would have problems at this job. But you are one of the few people in my life to whom I am willing to trust my most precious." - He said without embarrassment. Miss Bright tsked, unable to find words, and shook her head, as if in disagreement. But Greg still noticed as the tips of her ears turned red.
"I've been thinking about this for a while. Many years ago, when Mr. Bright left us, you sold his restaurant and gave me money for business development. Then, even though you did not agree, I promised you that I would return everything in full. I spent a long time staling because I was not ready to let you and Anita go. Oh, and Frank probably would cry like a baby. But I think it's time to let you go now. Catherine, start looking for a place for your own restaurant. Whatever you would like! Now, finally, I can afford to pamper those who helped me along the way. And you can take anyone from the cafe. Just find a worthy replacement before leaving."
Miss Bright froze and turned sharply toward Greg. Her eyes were startled, and it even appeared to him that there were sparkles of tears. But as always, the woman quickly pulled herself together. But then on her face played an unusual sly smile.
"Will you not regret it, Gregory?"
She asked, and Greg raised his eyebrows in bewilderment.
"Of course. I always keep my word. I certainly will miss your radiant face, but you are not going to the North Pole after all. We bother you every week, making you feed us." - He said, feeling that there was some trick.
"Well, I´ll take you at your word then." - Miss Bright answered with a victorious gleam in her eyes. - "Then I take Lana with me. I like this girl."
Greg opened his mouth, not expecting such a turn. A woman, meanwhile, without giving him the opportunity to argue, turned around and went to the guests. It seems this time he trapped himself. Rivals from this side, he did not expect at all!